Cricket: Orphan Rupesh set for England experience

Playing in England against good opposition is a dream for many cricketers in India. And under-19 all-rounder Rupesh Borade has realised this dream early in life.

Rupesh Borade

Rupesh gets his opportunity thanks to an exchange scheme spearheaded by former England Universities cricketer and surgeon Dr Samir Pathak. “We hope he benefits from the educational and cultural experience while developing his cricketing skills,” said Pathak.

Rupesh emerged from a coaching initiative by former Mumbai opener Sahil Kukreja, who has changed the life of several orphan cricketers.

Former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar who is on the advisory board of this program, said: “The charity is doing a tremendous job supporting grassroot cricket. I was delighted to aid Sahil on the logistical side of things.”

Hard times... After losing his parents at the age of six, Rupesh was admitted to Children’s Aid Home in Mankhurd where Kukreja has an academy for orphans.

A middle-order batsman and off-spinner, Rupesh was instrumental in Mankhurd’s Madhyamik Vidyalaya being runners-up in Harris Shield Plate group section last season. “Rupesh stands apart from other cricketers — shy, but very hardworking,” said Kukreja.